American Airlines Now Offering One-Way Award Redemptions

Beginning today, American Airlines customers will be able to redeem one-way award travel for half the miles of a round-trip. Currently, all other major U.S carriers permit one-way award travel, either by booking a one-way trip or simply not utilizing the return segment, but the airlines still charged customers as if it were a round-trip. Now, for example, a one-way flight from San Francisco to Boston is available for as little as 12,500 miles. 

Here are some benefits: 

-It's great for people who don't have a mountain of miles in their AAdvantage account, but have enough to cover mileage for one direction.

-You can opt to use miles for the direction in which airfare is high, then purchase a separate one-way ticket for the less expensive direction. 

-You can redeem miles to fly into one city, and redeem miles to return from a different city. 

(Example: San Jose-Dallas and Austin-San Jose). 

-You can mix and match classes of service and book multi-segments on a particular trip. 

Here is one drawback:

-There are fees associated with some award travel, which essentially could double if you book two separate one-way tickets. Those fees include close-in processing fees (booking award travel within 21 days of departure), and re-deposit fees should you decide to cancel your trip. 

Frontier Airlines To Charge Fee for "Free Ticket"

Award redemption fee part of a package of changes announced
In a press release today, Denver-based Frontier airlines announced they will institute a $25 non-refundable redemption fee for travelers booking a free flight using Frontier EarlyReturns miles. Previously, members of their frequent flier program could redeem miles without being subjected to this fee.

Frontier also announced a 5,000-15,000 across the board increase in miles needed for a free ticket. Previously known as one of the best redemption options in the industry, 15,000 miles for a free, capacity controlled domestic ticket will now climb to 20,000 miles; still a relative bargain.

Other changes announced in the press release include adding a $75 fee for close-in redemption's - whereby travelers book award travel within 14 days of travel, and $75 bucks for redepositing miles for an unused award travel booking.

"We have always been incredibly proud of our EarlyReturns program, which offers one of the lowest redemption levels in the industry," said Frontier Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Distribution, Jim Young. "Unfortunately, with oil still nearly 50% higher than just six months ago, we had to review the current structure and revise elements that will afford our ability to remain both customer friendly and cost conscious. Even with the new fees and redemption levels, we still offer one of the most competitive programs in the industry."

The changes are effective September 15th. Some fees are waived for Frontier elite members.